Gastrointestinal Conditions: GERD, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Pancreatitis, and Appendicitis

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key terminology, clinical signs, and interventions for common GI conditions including GERD, ulcers, pancreatitis, and appendicitis.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

The backflow of stomach acid and gastric contents into the esophagus, causing irritation, heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, and a chronic dry cough.

Barrett's Esophagus

A complication of GERD in which the internal lining of the esophagus alters and develops soreness; without medical care, it can progress to food pipe cancer.

Esophageal Stricture

Tightness and shrinking of the food pipe resulting from chronic acid damage, which brings the esophageal walls closer together and causes difficulty eating.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, commonly experienced by patients with GERD due to acid irritating the throat and causing strictures.

Duodenal Ulcer

An ulcer in the upper part of the small intestine where pain improves after eating because food acts as a buffer, with pain returning $2$ to $3\text{ hours}$ after meals or at night.

Gastric Ulcer

An ulcer located in the stomach where pain gets worse right after eating because food directly irritates the sore and triggers increased acid production.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation or infection of the pancreas manifesting as left upper quadrant pain that radiates to the back and worsens after alcohol intake or fatty meals.

Cullen's Sign

A clinical indicator of retroperitoneal hemorrhage in pancreatitis marked by bluish discoloration and bleeding shaped like a C around the umbilicus.

Grey Turner's Sign

A sign of retroperitoneal hemorrhage in pancreatitis characterized by bluish discoloration and bruising along both flank areas.

Strict NPO Status

The top priority nursing intervention for pancreatitis in which all oral intake is restricted to rest the gut and halt the release of digestive enzymes that drive auto-digestion.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube

A tube utilized in pancreatitis care to decompress the stomach by removing gastric acid and aspirating trapped air to facilitate gut healing.

Appendicitis

Inflammation and bacterial infection of the appendix, a small pouch hanging at the beginning of the large intestine, frequently triggered by trapped stool.

McBurney's Point

The hallmark anatomic location of pain in appendicitis, situated in the right lower quadrant halfway between the umbilicus and the right hip.

Rebound Tenderness

A physical exam finding characteristic of appendicitis where no pain is felt while applying pressure to the abdomen, but sharp pain occurs upon releasing the pressure.

Robsing's Sign

A diagnostic sign of appendicitis where pain radiates to and is felt in the right lower quadrant when palpation is applied to the left side.

Peritonitis

A life-threatening infection and perforation of the peritoneal membrane caused by leaking bacteria following an appendix rupture, presenting with a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Appendectomy

The surgical removal of the appendix, performed to eliminate infection and prevent rupture and peritonitis.